As part of a City of Vancouver Greenest City Grant, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House in partnership with the Westside Food Security Collaborative is implementing a food recovery pilot. A food collection and distribution system will be designed to accommodate primarily fresh food drop offs from a number of groups and businesses. The step by step procedure will ensure that the food is received, stored and redistributed effectively and efficiently to participating west side social service agencies with food programs. For example, if the Vancouver Fruit Tree Project drops off a load of plums we will know that the South Granville Seniors Centre has enough volunteers on that day to make jam, or that the Kitsilano Community Centre can use the fruit for their breakfast and shower program on Saturday. If a gardener from the Grow a Row program drops off some extra zucchinis, then we will know that Steeves Manor can use them in an upcoming community kitchen, or St. Mark’s Church can use them for a Thursday lunch, or Kits House can put the veggies in their emergency food bags.
The food recovery pilot is another way we are ensuring that everyone in our community has access to healthy, nutritious food and that no surplus is wasted.